Mumbai: The round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2014 commences today. While the business end of the prestigious tournament is still distant, it has already given football fans many moments to cherish.
While Van Persie's header was jaw-dropping, Casillas struggle before the goal-post was disappointing. At the same time, there were Costa Rica, Chile and Colombia who punched above their weight and enthraled everyone with their spirited performances.
Here are some of the best and worst moments of the World Cup:
Best Team: Netherlands
Three wins in as many matches in group stage seaeled Netherland's position at the top of Group B. They started their World Cup campiagn by thrashing the defending champions Spain 5-1. And then followed that performace with wins over Australia and Chile.
Worst Team: England
As always, England came into the tournament with many superstars. But as always, they failed to play as a team and did not click when it mattered the most. England's dismal World Cup campaign ended with a drab draw against Costa Rica.
Most disappointing team: Spain
Spain entered the World Cup as one of the firm favourites to win. But the defending champions looked jaded and out of depth in defence. With the once dominating 'tiki-taka' working against them, Spain lost two games in a fashion that was closer to disaster. While they managed to beat Australia, that was more a token win before La Roja left Brazil.
Underdogs who dazzled: Colombia
While England and Spain flattered to deceive, Colombia's performance in the group stages won them many fans. Although the real test is ahead of them, the Colombian side is surely a performer; in dance and in football.
Best goal-keeper Ochoa
Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa did not buckle down under any pressure; be it from the oppostion or be it of the 'playing at the World Cup.' While not many would have picked as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup before the tournament commenced, now he is everyone's favourite.
Worst goal-keeper: Iker Casillas
He was the wall Spain baked upon and the opponents failed to breach. But Iker Casillas looked out of place, out of ideas and clueless as he conceded 7 goals in Spain's first two games. With age not on his side, has Casillas career nearing a sad end?
Best coach: Van Gaal
Netherlands can boast of having some of the best finishers in the game. But Van Gaal is the real boss in Netherlands' dug-out. While Robben, Persie and co. can showoff their styles and brilliance on the field, they do not dare to cross the fiesty Louis Van Gaal.
Worst coach: Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson was brought in to change England's fortune. He spoke about dreadful weather conditions, tried to make England defensively stronger but under him England could not register a single win in the World Cup. In the end, it is safe that he was much ado about nothing.
Most disappointing player: Ronaldo
For all his skills and style, he was tipped as the player to watch out for, alongside Messi and Neymar. But Ronaldo failed to live upto the expectations. While injury did restrict him to a certain level, his performance was below-par in the World Cup.
Best moment of world cup: Van Persie header
'Has the best moment of the World Cup already happened?' It won't be ill-placed, if the answer is in affirmative. after witnessing Robin Van Persie went airborne to leave Casillas clueless and million others speechless.
Worst moment of world cup: Suarez bite
Luis Suarez sealed his faith with his teeth. Enough said.
Worst miss: Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets had one of the easiest goal-scoring opportnities any footballer could have ever wished for. He just had to push the ball inside the goal-post. Nothing more, nothing less. He instread made a horrible mess of it hitting wide of the goal-post. Watch how Vicente del Bosque reacted after Sergio Busquets' shocker.
Best newcomer: Goal-line technology
The goal-line technology finally made its debut during the FIFA World Cup 2014 and France was first beneficiary of it when they were awarded a goal in against Honduras during their 3-0 win.
The technology as of now looks glitchless and it would not be surprising if other sports include it (with necessary modifications) to better the game.
Best goal: Lionel Messi
Is Lionel Messi the best footballer of his generation? While there can be some debate about that, there need not be too many while deciding the best goal of the FIFA World Cup 2014. With Lionel Messi's magic during Argentina's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina is before us, there can be only one winner to grab the best goal of the World Cup award (with Van Persie coming close second.)
